HOW properties is redesigning their mixed use project located off Ridge between Ridge and Kelly Drive on what is commonly referred to as the “Japanese Restaurant site”. They will be proposing a small number of townhomes (8-14 over two phases) and a smaller 65 unit apartment building.

Variance Request: 3300 Conrad St for off street parking

A developer who owns 3300 Conrad St seeks to include front accessed off street parking. This element of the development proposal was refused by the City and they seek support for their variance. Zoning Denial here. Public Meeting notice here. Site plan here. Floor plans here.

The owner, New Courtland Elder Services, is seeking a variance to convert this site into senior housing, along with community oriented gardens and dog park. Their refusal can be found here . Here are renderings and site plans.

As a result, East Falls Forward will be recommending approval of the variance.

U-Haul Proposal

U-Haul requests a variance due to changes in zoning at 2801 West Hunting Park Avenue.

Their description:

“Over the past year, U-Haul has completed substantial repairs to the former Tastycake Building. A portion of the first floor has been approved for a customer service area, retail sale of moving supplies and accessory office. Now, U-Haul proposes to use the fourth floor and sixth floors for self-storage units. The fourth floor will be heated; the sixth floor will be climate-controlled. An unexpected, recent change in the uses that are allowed in the CMX-3 Zoning District requires a variance for the proposed self-storage.”

East Falls Forward would like to take a look at our neighborhood’s traffic and parking needs, habits, and expectations — plus, provide Fallsers an opportunity to express their opinions on Henry Avenue, speed bumps, bike lanes, permit parking, and more.

We’ve put together an informal survey, where neighbors can chime in anonymously online. Results will be posted here & shared with PennDOT and EFCC’s Traffic Committee. Thanks for taking the time to help make East Falls awesome for all of us. Survey begins below — Continue reading Traffic and Parking Survey

East Falls Forward recommends approval of the request for zoning variance for the tasting room, without restriction on the business. We will, as always, provide and stand by the results of the vote of our members.

Resulting Vote is: – 99.7% (362 votes) Yes, I approve of the request for variance for tasting room.
– 0.0% (0 votes) I Approve with Modifications.
– 0.3% (1 vote) No, I do not approve the request for variance.

As a result, East Falls Forward will be recommending approval of the variance without restriction.

– 96% (26 votes): Yes, I vote this letter be sent.
– 4% (1 vote): No, I do not approve this letter be sent.

Suggestions are all around follow on actions we plan on taking as an RCO

We are pleased to share the results of the Philadelphia RCO (registered community organization) East Falls Forward’s vote and recommendation regarding 4442 Ridge Avenue. East Falls Forward, in a straight democratic vote of membership, voted as referenced above to acknowledge How Properties commitment to working with the community and garnering and adhering to feedback, including a meeting with and presentation to RCO East Falls Forward membership.

We are hopeful that the evolution of the design of the building will continue with additional feedback, and expect that How Properties will continue its good faith efforts to rally support through consistent and transparent communication with the East Falls RCOs Membership.

Say it loud and say it proud!

In order to be effective, it will require our Councilman, to whom we make recommendations as a community, to take our voices seriously and act on those recommendations. To that end, below is a link to which I’m requesting you consider emailing the following (or something you prefer):

Dear Councilman Jones,
I am a member of the Registered Community Organization East Falls Forward in your District. We are eager and excited to move our community FORWARD, beyond the challenges for which our community has become known.
We're growing our membership rapidly, and vote on issues democratically.
We ask that you act in accordance with our votes and welcome you to our next meeting, April 21st, 2016 at 6:30 at BuLogics on Midvale.
Thank you,